After an early lunch, we had a huge hassle paying the bill – apparently we couldn’t put more than $200 on one credit card – luckily we had three! We then paid our drinks bill with what was left of our Dong, and raced to catch the boat, which took us to the bus that would take us to the train.
We decided on the “5 Star” train, as we had already experienced the normal train and the soft sleeper. It was dead posh, with sofas instead of recliners, and a lot more space, and with staff, but it was still 8 hours on a train. Just before dark, a window opposite us shattered, the older German couple sitting next to it were quite startled. Apparently it is common for children to throw rocks at the train – they break about two windows per day. I’m glad the windows were double glazed, as it could have been quite nasty.
Arrived at our hotel just before midnight, to find it surrounded by metal grilles like it was awaiting a siege. A kind stranger knocked on the grille for us and a very sleepy short person reluctantly let us in, after we assured him we had a booking. The hotel “reception” is part of the souvenir shop next door, and it seemed to have at least 4 people sleeping in a very small space – as well as a few motorbikes.
Up 4 flights of stairs to the room (which did NOT have the green marble bathtub the guidebook promised), we surrendered our passports (the police require that all foreigners give their passports to the hotel staff), and we collapsed into bed. Sleep did not come easily, we are on a very busy corner, and Ho Chi Minh City seems to be a city that doesn’t need much sleep.
Mark took these pics this morning – there is a great view of our busy corner from the fourth floor. Now at an exorbitantly expensive cafe using the “free” WiFi, but it’s now time to have some more adventures. I’ll fill in the Whale Island gap as soon as I pic some representative pictures, and process some stuff. It’s all good!
Disco Knitter 
Looking forward to the next installment.
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